Receptionist - James Patterson Elementary

Description Job Overview
Serve as receptionist for a school or department; provide a friendly and helpful atmosphere for visitors to the assigned building and directs incoming telephone calls in a courteous manner. While positions in this class may perform routine general clerical tasks, the assignment of school/departmental receptionist duties differentiates this class from all others in the clerical/secretarial series.

Position Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive a high volume of telephone calls and/or visitors to the school/office served, utilizing telephone “switchboard” equipment such as PBX system or more advanced telephonic transmission systems; maintains attractive and comfortable reception area
• Answer questions of callers according to district policy and takes messages for staff members
• Maintain alphabetical files of staff members' names, room locations and telephone extensions to expedite relaying of calls
• Keep records of toll charges and incoming collect calls for the business office
• Receive and report telephone problems to the telephone company as they arise
• Greet all visitors courteously, determines their needs and directs them to the proper person
• Report immediately the presence in the building of any visitor who bypasses the reception desk and/or any suspicious activity or unusual behavior on the part of visitors
• May be assigned to assign/monitor student office assistants
• May order, receive, examine, and distribute supplies; reviews and channels mail to correct destinations; assists with processing records
• Perform other routine general clerical tasks, assisting other clerical/secretarial staff as assigned, utilizing standard office equipment as necessary

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Qualifications Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the above essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities, required unless otherwise stated as preferred. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions.

• High School diploma or GED including or supplemented by commercial/business course work
• Some successful general clerical experience
• Good knowledge of business office procedures, practices, and equipment, appropriate phone receptionist procedures, phone and telephone board/equipment operations
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Ability to type at approved rate of speed, operate personal computers is highly desirable, preferred or required at some assignments
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions, and perform general clerical tasks
• Ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships with the public, school system staff and fellow employees
• Possesses a congenial personality with the ability to converse in a professional manner in all situations
• Excellent human relations and interpersonal relations skills

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in classrooms, offices, work stations and meeting rooms.

The position requires occasional walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting/carrying work related items weighing less than 40 pounds, such as books, papers and presentation materials. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Attendance at conferences and professional development is required. Work involves everyday risks and discomforts which require normal safety precautions when operating equipment or performing job duties. May work prolonged or irregular hours and must be able to maintain emotional control under stress.

Additional Information

• Fine motor skills required to operate telephonic equipment at assignment. Excellent vocal characteristics. Most tasks are performed in a sedentary work environment. Attributes include those required in normal, everyday activities including sitting, walking, standing, bending and reaching. Ability to type/operate computer keyboard. Ability to transfer, move, and shelve supplies and materials weighing 20 pounds or less manually or with assistance. High volume of phone calls at times; work is subject to frequent interruptions. Assignment may involve contact with irate students, parents, or the public. Must be able to handle stressful situations as necessary.
• This position might offer flexible work options, the incumbent might have the option to work some days in the office and some days remotely from their home at the discretion of their leader.

Primary Location: TEXAS-HOUSTON

Work Locations: JAMES PATTERSON ELEMENTARY 18702 BEECHNUT HOUSTON 77407

Job: Staff

Organization: ELEMENTARY

Position Calendar: 210AUG

School Year:2024-2025

Salary Grade: 402

Unposting Date: Feb 28, 2025, 11:59:00 PM